Signal switch circuit for plural analog signals

ABSTRACT

A signal switch circuit which comprises a first emitter follower transistor supplied with an input signal of a first channel, and a second emitter follower transistor supplied an input signal of a second channel. The collectors of the first and second emitter follower transistors are connected to a positive power source through first and second switch circuits. The first and second switch circuits are established or interrupted in accordance with the D.C. level of a control potential. The first and second emitter follower transistors produce an output signal corresponding to any of the input signals, according as the first and second switch circuits are established or interrupted.

This invention relates to a signal switch circuit for changing over or mixing a plurality of analog signals, for example, audio signals.

A known electronic switch circuit for changing over or mixing a plurality of analog signals includes, for example, a switch circuit set forth in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,875,552. An attenuator circuit disclosed in said patent is adapted for integration, and can also function as an analog switch circuit. However, said switch circuit has the drawbacks that there is a wide difference between the D.C. levels at the input and output terminals; an output signal is drawn off from a collector circuit using a source of constant current as a load, thus raising the output impedance; and where, therefore, said switch circuit is connected to another electronic circuit, it becomes necessary to use a D.C. level shift, D.C. blocking capacitor or impedance converter.

It is the object of this invention to provide a signal switch circuit in which the difference between the D.C. levels at the input and output terminals is reduced and which has such arrangement as is adapted for integration.

To this end, this invention provides a signal switch circuit including signal switch elements controlled by a control signal, characterized in that said signal switch elements comprise a first transistor, whose base is supplied with an input signal, and whose emitter issues an output signal; a second transistor whose base is supplied with a second input signal and whose emitter sends forth said output signal; a first switch circuit which is connected between the collector of the first transistor and a first power source, and established or interrupted in accordance with the D.C. level of a control signal; a second switch circuit which is connected between the collector of the second transistor and the first power source, and established or interrupted in accordance with the D.C. level of the control signal; and a first impedance which is connected between a second power source on one hand and the emitters of the first and second transistors on the other.

A signal switch circuit embodying this invention which is arranged as described above has the following features:

(1) The signal switch circuit is formed of the emitter follower type, thereby reducing the difference between the D.C. levels at the input and output terminals and also the output impedance;

(2) Switching is carried out on the collector circuit of the emitter follower transistor. Even if, therefore, the switching means is nonlinear, the switched analog signal is not distorted. Further, even if the switching means is accompanied with noise, the output signal is little affected by; and

(3) The switching means can be controlled by a single D.C. signal. Not only the changeover of signals but also their mixture is made possible in accordance with the level of said D.C. signal used for control.

This invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows the schematic fundamental arrangement of a signal switch circuit embodying this invention;

FIG. 2 indicates the concrete arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fractional diagram of a signal switch circuit modified from that of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a diagram of the D.C. levels of a control potential V_(C) impressed on the signal switch circuit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B indicates relationship between the D.C. levels shown in FIG. 4A and the magnitudes of current running through the signal switch circuit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows the arrangement of a signal switch circuit modified from that of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is another modification of the signal switch circuit of FIG. 2.

There will now be described by reference to the accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments of a signal switch circuit of this invention. For briefness, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar numerals throughout the embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows the fundamental arrangement of a signal switch circuit embodying this invention. A first input signal e_(i1) is supplied through a terminal 10 to the noninverted input terminal of a first amplifier 12, whose output terminal is connected to the base of a first NPN transistor Q₁. A second input signal e_(i2) is conducted through a terminal 14 to the noninverted input terminal of a second amplifier 16 whose output terminal is connected to the base of the second NPN transistor Q₂. The emitters of the first and second transistors Q₁, Q₂ are connected to a negative power source -V_(EE) through a first current source 18. The emitter of the first transistor Q₁ is connected through a resistor R₁₀ to the inverted input terminal of the amplifier 12. This inverted input terminal is grounded through a resistor R₁₂. The emitter of the second transistor Q₂ is connected through a resistor R₁₄ to the inverted inut terminal of the amplifier 16. Said inverted input terminal is grounded through a resistor R₁₆. An output signal e₀ is issued from the emitters of the first and second transistors Q₁, Q₂.

The collectors of the first and second transistors Q₁, Q₂ are connected to a positive power source +V_(CC) through corresponding switches S₃, S₄, respectively. The first and second transistors Q₁, Q₂, switches S₃, S₄ and first current source 18 collectively constitute a signal switch circuit 20.

The switches S₃, S₄ are opened or closed in accordance with the D.C. level of a control voltage V_(C), namely, a control potential V_(C). Where the switch S₃ alone is rendered conducting, a first emitter follower transistor Q₁ is put into operation. At this time, the output signal e₀ is expressed as k e_(i1) corresponding to the first input signal e_(i1). The charactor k denotes a proportion constant corresponding to a gain in the closed loop of the amplifiers 12, 16. Where the switch S₄ alone is operated, the output signal e₀ is expressed as k e_(i2) corresponding to the second input signal e_(i2). Where both switches S₃, S₄ are thrown in, the output signal e₀ is issued in the form of k (e_(i1) +e_(i2)). Where the switches S₃, S₄ are rendered nonconducting, no output signal is produced.

Now let it be assumed that the control potential V_(C) may take any of the four levels V_(C1), V_(C2), V_(C3), V_(C4). Then the control potential V_(C) and the ON and OFF mades of the switches S₃, S₄ have such relationship as is set forth in Table 1 below.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         V.sub.C    S.sub.3   S.sub.4   e.sub.0                                         ______________________________________                                         V.sub.C1   OFF       OFF       --                                              V.sub.C2   ON        OFF       k e.sub.i1                                      V.sub.C3   OFF       ON        k e.sub.i2                                      V.sub.C4   ON        ON        k(e.sub.i1 + e.sub.i2)                          ______________________________________                                    

FIG. 2 shows the concrete arrangement of the signal switch circuit of FIG. 1. The output terminal of an amplifier 12 is connected through a resistor R₁₁ to the inverted input terminal of said amplifier 12. This inverted input terminal is grounded through a resistor R₁₂. The noninverted input terminal of the amplifier 12 is connected to the input terminal 10. The output terminal of an amplifier 16 is connected through a resistor R₁₅ to the inverted input terminal of said amplifier 16. This inverted input terminal is grounded through a resistor R₁₆. The noninverted input terminal of the amplifier 16 is connected to the input terminal 14. The output terminal of the amplifier 12 is connected through a terminal 30 to the base of a first NPN transistor Q₁. The output terminal of the amplifier 16 is connected through a terminal 34 to the base of a second NPN transistor Q₂. The emitters of the first and second transistors Q₁, Q₂ are connected through the first current source 18 to the negative power source -V_(EE). The emitters of the first and second transistors Q₁, Q₂ are also connected to a first output terminal 36.

The emitters of the first and second transistors Q₁, Q₂ are connected to the base of a PNP transistor Q₀. The collector of said PNP transistor Q₀ is connected to the negative power source -V_(EE). The emitter of the PNP transistor Q₀ connected through a second current source 22 to a positive power source +V_(CC). The collectors of the first and second transistors Q₁, Q₂ are connected to the collectors of PNP transistors Q₃, Q₄ respectively. The emitters of the transistors Q₃, Q₄ are connected through a resistor R₁₈ to the positive power source +V_(CC). The base of the transistor Q₃ is connected through a resistor R₂₀ to the cathode of a bias diode D₁₀. The anode of the bias diode D₁₀ is connected to the positive power source +V_(CC). The base of transistor Q₃ is connected to the negative power source -V_(EE) through a third current source 24. The base of the transistor Q₄, is connected to a terminal 38, which is supplied with a control potential V_(C). The transistors Q₁ to Q₄, current sources 18 to 24, resistors R₁₈, R₂₀ and bias diode D₁₀ jointly constitute a signal switch circuit 20.

The emitter of the transistor Q₀ is connected to a second output terminal 32, which is connected through the resistors R₁₀, R₁₄ to the inverted input terminals of the amplifiers 12, 16. In the amplifiers 12, 16 the resistors R₁₁, R₁₄ constitute the negative feedback of a minor loop. The negative feedback of the minor loop is provided primarily for the following to reasons

(1) The negative feedback reduces an impedance which occurs in driving the first and second transistors Q₁, Q₂. A drop in the base side impedance of the transistors Q₁, Q₂ ensures a sufficient fall in the emitter impedance of said transistors Q₁, Q₂.

(2) Where the first and second transistors Q₁, Q₂ are cut off, the negative feedback suppresses a gain in the corresponding amplifiers 12, 16. Where an unduly large gain arises in the open loop of the amplifiers 12, 16 due to the absence of the negative feedback of the minor loop produced by the resistors R₁₁, R₁₅, and in this case the collector circuits of the transistors Q₁, Q₂ are cut off from the positive power source +V_(CC), then a distorted signal resulting from a diode action occurring acrose the base-emitter regions of the transistors Q₁, Q₂ appears in the emitters of said transistors Q₁, Q₂.

Where, therefore, the open loops of the amplifiers 12, 16 have a small gain, the negative feedback of the minor loop need not be provided.

The terminal 38 is connected to the slider of a switch 40. The contactors 40₁, 40₂ of the switch 40 are connected together by means of a resistor R₂₂. The contactors 40₂, 40₃ of said switch 40 are connected together by means of a resistor R₂₄. The contactor 40₁ is connected to the positive power source +V_(CC), and the contactor 40₃ is grounded through a resistor R₂₆. The contactors 40₁, 40₂, 40₃ are respectively impressed with control potentials V_(C1), V_(C2), V_(C3). The switch 40 and the resistors R₂₂ to R₂₆ jointly constitute switch means 42.

With V_(S) taken to denote the base potential (for comparison) of the third transistor Q₃, assume V_(C1) >V_(C2) =V_(S) >V_(C3). Where, under this condition, the slider 40 contacts the contactor 40₁, namely, in the case of V_(C) =V_(C1), then the third transistor Q₃ is rendered conducting and the fourth transistor Q₄ remains inoperative. At this time, the first transistor Q₁ is put into operation, and the second transistor Q₂ is cut off. Thus a signal supplied to the input terminal 10 is brought as an output signal to the output terminal 36 or 32.

While the slider 40 is in contact with the contactor 40₂, namely, in the case of V_(C) =V_(C2), both transistors Q₃, Q₄ are rendered conducting. At this time, the transistors Q₁, Q₂ are also put into operation. In other words, a sum of signals supplied to the input terminals 10, 14 is sent forth from the output terminal 36 or 32.

While the slider 40 is in contact with the contactor 40₃, namely, in the case of V_(C) =V_(C3), the transistor Q₃ remains inoperative, and the transistor Q₄ is rendered conducting. At this time, the transistor Q₂ is put into operation, and the transistor Q₁ is cut off. Thus, a signal supplied to the input terminal 14 is sent forth as an output signal from the output terminal 36 or 32. As mentioned above, the control potential V_(C) supplied by the switching means 42 causes signals to be changed over or mixed together.

The signal switch circuit 20 of FIG. 2 is provided with two output terminals 36, 32, which are selectively used in accordance with the object for which the signal switch circuit 20 is intended. With V_(BE) taken to denote the base-emitter threshold voltages of the transistors Q₀, Q₁, Q₂, assume that the amplifiers 12, 16 are designed for D.C. amplification. In this case, the terminals 30, 34 have substantially zero D.C. potential. Under this condition, the D.C. potential or D.C. level shift of the first output terminal 36 indicates about -V_(BE), and the D.C. potential of the second output terminal 32 is substantially become to zero. With T taken to represent ambient temperature, the DC level shift at the output terminal 36 has a temperature coefficient or temperature drift expressed as ∂V_(BE) /∂T (≃about 2 mV/°C.). Neither D.C. level shift nor temperature drift occurs at the output terminal 32. The reason for this event is that the base-emitter threshold voltage V_(BE) and the temperature drift ∂V_(BE) /∂T of the transistors Q₁, Q₂ are offset by the V_(BE) and ∂V_(BE) /∂T of the transistor Q₀. The first output terminal 36 is used when it is desired to positively provide a DC level shift having a magnitude of V_(BE) and a temperature drift of ∂V_(BE) /∂T for another circuit (not shown) connected to the signal switch circuit 20, namely, when it is intended to carry out temperature compensation for said another circuit by the signal switch circuit 20. Except for the above-mentioned occasion, it is proper to use the second output terminal 32. Where, however, the subject signal switch circuit is connected to any other circuit (not shown) through a DC-blocking capacitor, then it is possible to use either of the output terminals 36, 32.

FIG. 3 is a fractional diagram of a signal switch circuit modified from that of FIG. 2. The emitters of PNP transistors Q₃, Q₄ are connected to the collector of a PNP transistor Q₅. The emitter of this transistor Q₅ is connected to the positive power source +V_(CC). The emitter and base of said transistor Q₅ are connected to the anode and cathode of the bias diode D₂₀. The base of the transistor Q₅ is connected to the terminal 38 through a resistor R₃₄. The bias of the transistor Q₄ is connected to said terminal 38 through a resistor R₃₂. Said terminal 38 is supplied with a control potential V_(C). The base of the transistor Q₃ is connected through a resistor R₃₀ to the negative electrode of the bias power source 3V_(BE), whose positive electrode is connected to the positive power source +V_(CC). Thus, the base of the transistor Q₃ is chosen to have a potential of V_(CC) -3V_(BE).

There will now be described by reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B the operation of a signal switch circuit of FIG. 3. FIG. 4A shows the D.C. levels of a control potential impressed on the terminal 38. FIG. 4B indicates agreement between the D.C. levels of FIG. 4A and the magnitudes of current running through the signal switch circuit of FIG. 3. Agreement between said D.C. levels and the ON and OFF modes of the transistors Q₃ to Q₅ is defined as follows:

(i) In case of V_(C) >V_(CC) -V_(BE), the transistor Q₅ and consequently the transistors Q₃, Q₄ are rendered nonconducting.

(ii) In case of V_(CC) -V_(BE) >V_(C) >V_(CC) >3V_(BE). The transistor Q₅ is put into operation. At this time, the transistor Q₄ remains inoperative, while the transistor Q₃ is turn on.

(iii) In case of V_(C) =V_(CC) -3V_(BE), the transistor Q₅ is operated. At this time, the transistors Q₃, Q₄ have the same base potential, and are rendered conducting.

(iv) In case of V_(CC) -3V_(BE) >V_(C), the transistor Q₅ is put into operation. At this time, the transistor Q₄ has a lower base potential than the transistor Q₃. In other words, the transistor Q₃ is rendered inoperative, while the transistor Q₄ is operated. Where the control potential V_(C) is brought to any of the above-mentioned four states, then the transistors Q₃, Q₄ are rendered conducting or nonconducting, or either of them is operated. The transistors Q₃, Q₄ correspond to the switches S₃, S₄ of FIG. 1. The states described under the items of (ii), (iii), (iv) are realized by the signal switch circuit 20.

FIG. 5 shows the arrangement of a modification of the signal switch circuit 20 of FIG. 2. The embodiment of FIG. 5 fundamentally uses the circuit arrangement of FIG. 3. A terminal 30 is connected to the base of a first NPN transistor Q₁. A terminal 34 is connected to the base of a second NPN transistor Q₂. The emitters of the transistors Q₁, Q₂ are connected to the collector of a NPN transistor Q₁₈, whose emitter is connected through a resistor R₃₆ to the negative power source -V_(EE), and whose base is connected to the collector of a NPN transistor Q₂₀. The base and emitter of the transistor Q₂₀ are respectively connected to the emitter of the transistor Q₁₈ and the negative power source -V_(EE). The base of the transistor Q₁₈ is connected through a resistor R₃₇ to the cathode of the bias diode D₃₀, whose anode is connected to a positive power source +V_(CC). The collectors of the transistors Q₁, Q₂ are respectively connected to PNP transistors Q₃, Q₄. The emitter of the transistor Q₃ is connected through a resistor R₃₈ to the collector of a PNP transistor Q₅. The emitter of the transistor Q₄ is connected through a resistor R₄₀ to the collector of the transistor Q₅, whose emitter is connected through a resistor R₄₂ to the positive power source +V_(CC), and whose base is connected to the collector of a PNP transistor Q₂₄ whose base and emitter are respectively connected to the emitter of the transistor Q₅ and the positive power source +V_(CC), and whose collector is connected to the base of a PNP transistor Q₂₂, whose emitter is connected through a resistor R₄₄ to the positive power source +V_(CC), and whose collector is connected to the emitter of a PNP transistor Q₀. The base and collector of the PNP transistor Q₀ are respectively connected to the collector of the transistor Q₁₈ and negative power source -V.sub. EE. The emitter of the transistor Q₀ is connected to a terminal 32, and the base thereof is connected to a terminal 36. The base of the transistor Q₃ is connected through a resistor R₃₀ to the cathode of the bias diode D₃₀. The base of the transistor Q₄ is connected through a resistor R₃₂ to a terminal 38. The base of the transistor Q₅ is connected through a resistor R₃₄ to the terminal 38, which is grounded through a capacitor C₁₀.

A bias circuit constituted by the transistor Q₂₄ corresponds to the bias diode D₂₀ of FIG. 3. A constant current circuit formed by the transistor Q₁₈ corresponds to the current source 18 of FIG. 2. The bias diode D₃₀ corresponds to the bias power source 3V_(BE) of FIG. 3 (In FIG. 5, however, voltage impussed by the diode D₃₀ corresponds to a level of 4V_(BE)). The constant current supplied by the transistor Q₅ and the constant current absorbed by the transistor Q₁₈ are chosen to have substantially the same amount. The resistors R₃₈, R₄₀ are provided to decrease a differential gain in a differential circuit 50 consisting of the transistors Q₃, Q₄. The resistors R₃₈, R₄₀ are generally chosen to have the same level of resistance. However, said resistors R₃₈, R₄₀ need not have the same level of resistance.

Suppression of the differential gain of the differential circuit 50 has the advantage that where both transistors Q₃, Q₄ are rendered conducting, it is possible to broaden an allowable range of variations in an absolute value |V_(S) -V_(C) | of a difference between the base potentials of said transistors Q₃, Q₄. Now let it be assumed that the transistors Q₃, Q₄ have a high current amplification factor h_(FE) and the resistors R₃₈, R₄₀ are not used. Where, under such condition, it is desired to render both transistors Q₃, Q₄ conducting, it would be necessary to let the potential difference |V_(S) -V_(C) | fall within the range of several to scores of mV units. The critical rigidity with which the operation point of the third and fourth transistors Q₃, Q₄ is to be defined could be alleviated by applying, for example, such type of the transistors Q₃, Q₄ as has a low current amplification factor h_(FE) or providing the resistors R₃₈, R₄₀.

A control potential impressed on the terminal 38 is alternately short-circuited by the capacitor C₁₀. Even if, therefore, the control potential V_(C) is accompanied with noises, the differential circuit 50 is not obstructed in operation by such noises.

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of another modification of the signal switch circuit of FIG. 2. In this embodiment, two control voltages V_(C1), V_(C2) are applied to carry out the changeover and mixing of four input signals e_(i11), e_(i12), e_(i21), e_(i22). A terminal 30₁ supplied with the input signal e_(i11) is connected to the base of an NPN transistor Q₁₁. A terminal 34₁ supplied with the input signal e_(i21) is connected to the base of an NPN transistor Q₂₁. The emitters of the transistors Q₁₁, Q₂₁ are connected to the negative power source-V_(EE) through a current source 18. The collectors of the transistors Q₁₁, Q₂₁ are respectively connected to the collectors of PNP transistor Q₃₁, Q₄₁. The emitters of the transistors Q₃₁, Q₄₁ are connected to the collector of a PNP transistor Q₅₁. The transistors Q₁₁, Q₂₁, Q₃₁, Q₄₁, Q₅₁ collectively constitute a first signal switch circuit.

A terminal 30₂ supplied with the input signal e_(i12) is connected to an NPN transistor Q₁₂. A terminal 34₂ supplied with the input signal e_(i22) is connected to the base of an NPN transistor Q₂₂. The emitters of the transistors Q₁₂, Q₂₂ are connected to the current source 18. The collectors of the transistors Q₁₂, Q₂₂ are respectively connected to the collectors of PNP transistors Q₃₂, Q₄₂, whose emitters are connected to the collector of a PNP transistor Q₅₂. The transistors Q₁₂, Q₂₂, Q₃₂, Q₄₂, Q₅₂ jointly constitute a second signal switch circuit.

The transistors Q₅₁, Q₅₂ are connected to a positive power source +V_(CC) through the resistor R₁₈. The base of the transistor Q₅₁ is connected to the cathode of a bias diode D₅₀, whose anode is connected to the positive power source +V_(CC), and whose cathode is connected to the anode of a bias diode D₅₂. The cathode of the bias diode D₅₂ is connected to the anode of a bias diode D₅₄ and the base of the transistor Q₃₁. The cathode of the bias diode D₅₄ is connected through a resistor R₅₀ to the negative power source -V_(EE), and also to the base of the transistor Q₃₂. The bases of the transistors Q₅₁, Q₃₁, Q₃₂ are respectively supplied with comparison potentials V_(S1), V_(S2), V_(S3) by the bias diodes D₅₀, D₅₂, D₅₄. The base of the transistor Q₅₂ is supplied with a first control potential V_(C1) through a terminal 38₁. The base of the transistor Q₄₂ is connected to a terminal 38₂ through a resistor R₅₂. The base of the transistor Q₄₂ is connected to the base of the transistor Q₄₁ through a resistor R₅₄. The base of the transistor Q₄₁ is connected to the positive power source +V_(CC) through a resistor R₅₆. The bases of the transistors Q₄₁, Q₄₂ are respectively supplied with control potentials V_(C22), V_(C23). The terminal 38₂ is supplied with a second control potential V_(C2). The D.C. levels of the potentials V_(C22), V_(C23) are changed in accordance with the D.C. levels of the second control potential V_(C2). The emitters of the transistors Q₁₁, Q₂₁, Q₁₂, Q₂₂ are connected to a terminal 36, which sends forth a signal e₀ resulting from the changeover or mixing of input signals.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 is operated as follows.

(1) In case of V_(S1) <V_(C1), the transistor Q₅₁ is rendered conducting, while the transistor Q₅₂ remains inoperative. Therefore, the first signal switch circuit alone is put into operation.

(1.1) In case of V_(S2) <V_(C22), the transistor Q₃₁ is operated, while the transistor Q₄₁ is turned off. Therefore, the transistor Q₁₁ alone is rendered conducting, namely, e₀ =e_(i11).

(1.2) In case of V_(S2) =V_(C22), both transistors Q₃₁, Q₄₁ are rendered conducting, namely, e₀ =e_(i11) +e_(i21).

(1.3) In case of V_(S2) >V_(C22), the transistor Q₃₁ remains inoperative, while the transistor Q₄₁ is rendered conducting, namely, e₀ =e_(i21).

(2) In case of V_(S1) >V_(C1), the transistor Q₅₁ is turned inoperative, while the transistor Q₅₂ is rendered conducting. As a result, the second signal switch circuit alone is operated.

(2.1) In case of V_(S3) <V_(C23), the transistor Q₃₂ is turned on, while the transistor Q₄₂ is rendered nonconducting, namely, e₀ =e_(i12).

(2.2) In case of V_(S3) =V_(C23), both transistors Q₃₂, Q₄₂ are rendered operative, namely, e₀ =e_(i12) +e_(i22).

(2.3) In case of V_(S3) >V_(C23), the transistor Q₃₂ remains inoperative, while the transistor Q₄₂ is put into operations, namely, e₀ =e_(i22).

(3) In case of V_(S1) =V_(C1), both transistors, Q_(S1), Q_(S2) are put into operation. As a result, both first and second signal switch circuits are rendered operative.

(3.1) In case of V_(S2) <V_(C22) and V_(S3) <V_(C23), both transistors Q₃₁, Q₃₂ are rendered conducting, namely, e₀ =e_(i11) +e_(i12).

(3.2) In case of V_(S2) =V_(C22) and V_(S3) <V_(C23), the transistors Q₃₁, Q₄₁, Q₃₂ are operated, namely, e₀ =e_(i11) +e_(i21) +e_(i12).

(3.3) In case of V_(S2) >V_(C22) and V_(S3) =V_(C23), the transistors Q₄₁, Q₃₂, Q₄₂ are operated, namely, e₀ =e_(i21) +e_(i12) +e_(i22).

(3.4) In case of V_(S2) >V_(C22) and V_(S3) >V_(C23), both transistors Q₄₁, Q₄₂ are rendered conducting, namely, e₀ =e_(i21) +e_(i22).

Two signal-switching modes, that is, a case (3.5) of V_(S2) >V_(C22) and V_(S3) <V_(C23) and a case (3.6) of V_(S2) <V_(C22) and V_(S3) >V_(C23) can also be realized in addition to the last mentioned four signal-switching modes (3.1) to (3.4). In this case, it is advised to reverse the mode of connecting the bases of the transistors Q₄₁, Q₄₂ from that indicated in FIG. 6, or change the control potentials V_(c22), V_(C23) independently.

As mentioned above, the embodiment of FIG. 6 makes it possible to carry out the changeover and mixing of a large number of input signals by means of the control potentials V_(C1), V_(C2). Further, where many of the signal switch circuits of FIG. 1 or 2 are assembled, the changeover and mixing of input signals can be carried out in the same manner as described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A signal switch circuit controlled by the D.C. level of a control signal, comprising:a first transistor having a base supplied with a first input signal, and an emitter for producing an output signal; a second transistor having a base supplied with a second input signal and an emitter connected to said first transistor emitter; a first switch circuit connected between the collector of said first transistor and a first power source, and actuated by first and second D.C. levels of said control signal; a second switch circuit connected between the collector of said second transistor and said first power source, and actuated by second and third D.C. levels of control signal; and a first impedance connected between a second power source and said first and second transistors emitters; and said first switch circuit being actuated by said first D.C. level to produce a signal at said first and second transistor emitters related to said first input signal, said second switch circuit being actuated by said third D.C. level to produce a signal at said first and second transistor emitters related to said second input signal, and said first and second switch circuits being actuated by said second D.C. level to produce a signal at said first and second transistor emitters related to a mixture of said first and second input signals.
 2. A signal switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein:said first switch circuit comprises a third transistor having a collector connected to said first transistor collector, a base supplied with a first potential, an emitter and a conductivity type opposite to that of said first transistor; said second switch circuit comprises a fourth transistor having a collector connected to said second transistor collector, a base supplied with the D.C. potential of said control signal, an emitter, is connected to the first power source, and a conductivity type the same as that of said third transistor; and said apparatus includes a second impedance means; said third and fouth transistor emitters being connected to said first power source through said second impedance means.
 3. A signal switch circuit controlled by a control signal comprising:a first transistor having a base supplied with a first input signal and an emitter for producing an output signal; a second transistor having a base supplied with a second input signal and an emitter connected to said first transistor emitter; a first switch circuit connected between the collector of said first transistor and a first power source, and actuated by the D.C. level of said control signal, said first switch circuit including a third transistor having a collector connected to the collector of said first transistor, a base supplied with a first potential and a conductivity type opposite to that of said first transistor; a first impedance connected to said first power source; a second switch circuit connected between the collector of said second transistor and said first power source, and actuated by the D.C. level of said control signal, said second switch circuit including a fourth transistor having a collector connected to the collector of said second transistor, a base supplied with the D.C. potential of said control signal, an emitter, and a conductivity type the same as that of said third transistor, said third and fourth transistor emitters being connected to said first power source through said first impedance; a second impedance connected between a second power source and said first and second transistor emitters; a third impedance connected to said first power source; a fifth transistor having a base connected to said emitters of said first and second transistors, a collector connected to said second power source, an emitter connected to said first power source through said third impedance, and a conductivity type opposite to that of said first and second transistors, said fifth transistor transmitting said output signal to prevent the operation point of said switch circuit from being affected by the D.C. level shift and temperature change (δV_(BE) /δT) of said first and second transistors which result from variations in the base-emitter threshold voltage of said first and second transistors.
 4. A signal switch circuit controlled by a control signal comprising:a first transistor having a base supplied with a first input signal, and an emitter for producing an output signal; a second transistor having a base supplied with a second input signal and an emitter connected to said first transmitter emitter; a first switch circuit connected between the collector of said first transistor and a first power source, and actuated by the D.C. level of said control signal, said first switch circuit including a third transistor having a collector connected to the collector of said first transistor, a base supplied with a first potential and a conductivity type opposite to that of said first transistor; a first impedance connected to said first power source; a second switch circuit connected between the collector of said second transistor and said first power source, and actuated by the D.C. level of said control signal, said second switch circuit including a fourth transistor having a collector connected to the collector of said second transistor, a base supplied with the D.C. potential of said control signal, an emitter and a conductivity type the same as that of said third transistor, said third and fourth transistor emitters being connected to one terminal of first and second resistors, respectively, the other terminal of both of said first and second resistors being connected to said first power source through said first impedance, said first and second resistors to alleviate the critical rigidity with which the switching point of said third and fourth transistors is to be defined; and a second impedance connected between a second power source and said first and second transistor emitters.
 5. A signal switch circuit controlled by at least one control signal comprising:a first group of transistors, each of the bases of said first group of transistors being supplied with a first independent input signal, respectively, and each of the emitters of said first group of transistors being commonly connected to produce an output signal; a second group of transistors, each of the bases of said second group of transistors being supplied with a second independent input signal, respectively, and each of the emitters of said second group of transistors being commonly connected to said first group emitters; a first switch circuit means connected between the collectors of said first group of transistors and a first power source, and actuated by the D.C. level of said control signal; a second switch circuit means connected between the collectors of said second group of transistors and the first power source, and actuated by the D.C. level of said control signal; and a first impedance connected between a second power source and the emitters of said first and second groups.
 6. A signal switch circuit according to claim 9, wherein:said first switch circuit means includes a third group of transistors, each of the bases of said third group of transistors being supplied with a comparison potential, said comparison potentials being separated mutually; and said second switch circuit means includes a fourth group of transistors, each of the bases of said third group of transistors being supplied with a control potential, said control potential being separated mutually. 